As we begin the 2026–27 school year, Lehigh Valley Academy is excited to welcome back our Soft Start schedule for its second year!
Introduced last year, the Soft Start gives students across grade levels an opportunity to ease back into the school routine, become familiar with new classrooms and schedules, reconnect with teachers, and navigate their learning spaces before all grade levels are together.
Our 2026–27 Soft Start Schedule
This year, students will begin according to the following schedule:
- Tuesday, August 18: First day for Grades 1–5, 6, 9, and 11
- Wednesday, August 19: First day for Grades 7, 8, 10, and 12
- Thursday, August 20: First day for Kindergarten
By Thursday, all of our Jaguars will officially be back on campus and ready for another year of learning, growth, and new experiences!
A Confident Start for Our 6th Graders
For our 6th graders, Soft Start provides an especially valuable introduction to middle school.
As the first middle school grade to return, students have additional space and time to become comfortable with a new environment and new routines. They can locate their classrooms, practice opening and using their lockers, learn which hallways and staircases to use, and become familiar with their daily schedules without the typical movement of the entire middle school student body.
This quieter introduction helps students build confidence and independence as they make the transition into middle school.
Welcoming Our 9th Graders to High School
Beginning high school is another major transition, which makes Soft Start particularly beneficial for our 9th-grade students.
With fewer grade levels in the building on their first day, freshmen have an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the high school layout, meet their teachers, locate classrooms, navigate transitions between classes, and become comfortable with their lockers and schedules.
Having this time to learn the routines of high school helps our newest high school students begin the year feeling more prepared before Grades 10 and 12 join them on Wednesday.
Preparing 11th Graders for the IB Journey Ahead
Soft Start also provides an important transition for our 11th graders as they begin the next stage of their International Baccalaureate education.
Junior year marks the beginning of the rigorous two-year Diploma Programme (DP) or Career-related Programme (CP) experience. Students entering these pathways will encounter new courses, expectations, schedules, and responsibilities as they work toward their individual academic and career goals.
The additional time provided through Soft Start allows 11th graders to settle into their schedules, meet their teachers, and become familiar with the expectations of their chosen IB pathway before the full high school student body returns.
Giving Elementary Students Time to Settle In
Our Grades 1–5 students also benefit from beginning the year through Soft Start.
Moving into a new grade often means a new teacher, classroom, hallway, or even floor of the building. Beginning together on Tuesday gives elementary students time to reconnect with their school community, learn new classroom routines, and become comfortable in their new spaces.
It also gives our returning elementary Jaguars time to settle in before we welcome our youngest students later in the week.
A Special First Day for Kindergarten
On Thursday, August 20, we will officially welcome our newest Jaguars as our kindergarten students celebrate their first day of school!
Giving kindergarten its own start allows our youngest learners to receive a special welcome as they begin an exciting new chapter at LVA. From meeting teachers and classmates to discovering their classrooms and learning new routines, their first day is all about becoming comfortable and excited about school.
Ready for Another Great Year
After a successful introduction last school year, Soft Start returns for its second year as part of LVA’s back-to-school experience. By gradually welcoming students throughout the first few days, we can provide additional time and space for students navigating some of the biggest transitions in their K–12 journey.
Whether they are moving into a new elementary classroom, beginning middle or high school, starting their DP or CP journey, or walking through our doors for their very first day of kindergarten, we want every Jaguar to begin the year feeling welcomed, prepared, and ready to learn.
Welcome to the 2026–27 school year, Jaguars! We can’t wait to see what this year brings.
Picture Day Reminder!
As we kick off the new school year, don’t forget that Yearbook & Student ID Picture Days are also happening during the first week of school!
- Thursday, August 20: Middle & High School students, Grades 6–12
- Friday, August 21: Elementary students, Grades K–5
All students are required to follow LVA dress code guidelines for their school pictures. These photos will be used for student identification and yearbook purposes, so please plan accordingly. Get those Jaguar smiles ready!
Lehigh Valley Academy RCS 